What is the time piece with the most moving parts?

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The discussion centers on identifying the timepiece with the most moving parts, with initial thoughts suggesting an hourglass. However, participants note that the question is inherently open-ended, as any complex timepiece can theoretically be expanded indefinitely. The universe is humorously proposed as a timepiece due to its vast complexity. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that there may not be a definitive answer, as the concept of moving parts can be stretched infinitely. The topic highlights the philosophical nature of defining complexity in timekeeping devices.
kath102245
A sundial is said to be a time piece with the fewest moving parts. What is the time piece with the most moving parts?
 
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The universe .
 
how is the universe a time piece?
 
kath,

The answer is open-ended. Given any arbitrarily complex time piece, you could always stick on another piece and make it move, too... so there really is no answer to the question, in principle.

Are you asking "what is the most complex time piece ever actually constructed?"

- Warren
 
Actually, I'm thinking that the answer is an hour glass...but I'm not for sure yet.
 
Originally posted by kath102245
Actually, I'm thinking that the answer is an hour glass...but I'm not for sure yet.
That's a very cool answer, but it's still an open-ended question. I can always use finer-grained sand, or simply build a bigger hourglass, without bound.

- Warren
 
comparing a flat solar panel of area 2π r² and a hemisphere of the same area, the hemispherical solar panel would only occupy the area π r² of while the flat panel would occupy an entire 2π r² of land. wouldn't the hemispherical version have the same area of panel exposed to the sun, occupy less land space and can therefore increase the number of panels one land can have fitted? this would increase the power output proportionally as well. when I searched it up I wasn't satisfied with...
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